Two Carnot Engines working in Series Problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the operation of two carnot engines in series between a source of 800K and a sink of 290K. The first engine transfers 400kJ of heat to the second engine, with both engines having the same efficiency. The conversation then asks for the temperature of the source for the second engine, the heat taken by the first engine from its source, the work done by each engine, and the efficiency of the engines. The calculations and results are provided, but the person is hoping for guidance on how to get started.
  • #1
bortonj88
16
0
I was wondering if anyone would be able to help with this question;

Two carnot engines operate in series between a source 800K and a sink of 290K. The first engine rejects 400kJ to the second engine. If both engines have the same efficiency, calculate;

(i) the temperature for the source of the second engine.
(ii) the heat taken by the first engine from its source.
(iii) the work done by each engine.
(iv) the efficiency if the engines.
(481.7K, 664.4kJ, 264.4kJ, 159.2kJ, 0.398)

Thanks alot, any help will be greatly appreciated

John
 
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  • #2
calculations are right
 
  • #3
thanks but i was actually hoping someone would be able to point me in the right direction to get started...
 

1. What is a Carnot engine?

A Carnot engine is a theoretical heat engine that operates on the Carnot cycle, which is a reversible thermodynamic cycle. It has two isothermal processes and two adiabatic processes, and is used to model the most efficient possible engine operating between two temperatures.

2. How does a Carnot engine work?

A Carnot engine works by taking in heat energy from a hot reservoir, converting some of it into work, and then releasing the remaining energy as waste heat to a cold reservoir. This process is repeated in a cycle to continuously produce work.

3. What is the purpose of having two Carnot engines working in series?

The purpose of having two Carnot engines working in series is to increase the efficiency of the system. By having the waste heat from one engine used as the input for the other engine, more of the available energy can be converted into work.

4. What are the limitations of using Carnot engines in series?

One of the limitations of using Carnot engines in series is that the efficiency of the system is still limited by the maximum efficiency of a single Carnot engine. Additionally, practical limitations such as friction and heat loss can also affect the overall efficiency.

5. How is the efficiency of two Carnot engines working in series calculated?

The efficiency of two Carnot engines working in series can be calculated by using the formula: efficiency = (1 - Tcold/Thot) x 100%, where Tcold is the temperature of the cold reservoir and Thot is the temperature of the hot reservoir. This formula takes into account the maximum efficiency of a single Carnot engine and the temperature difference between the two reservoirs.

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